ACC inaugurates Karnataka plant

ACC’s newest cement plant in Thondebhavi, Karnataka, was inaugurated on 12 December by Dr M Veerappa Moily, Hon’ble Union Minister for Law and Justice, in the presence of Dr Mumtaz Ali, Minister for Haj/Wakf and Minority Affairs, Karnataka and other distinguished guests. Speaking to the gathering, comprising government officials, customers, dealers, employees and the citizens of Thondebhavi, Dr Moily said, “Karnataka is very proud to welcome ACC’s new plant in Thondebhavi. We are very happy to have you here. Your presence will help accelerate the development of Karnataka. The people of Chikballapur will welcome any initiative made by ACC to help with their economic and social development.” The new plant becomes the nearest cement plant for Bengaluru city, thus ensuring fresh and prompt supply of cement to this fast expanding metropolis.

A greenfield project
ACC Thondebhavi Cement Works was set up as a Greenfield project in the picturesque Thondebhavi village in Karnataka. Installed at a cost of about Rs.350 crores, this cement grinding plant has a capacity of 1.6 million tpa and will produce flyash based Portland pozzolana cement. The plant will have its own railway siding. Clinker is received by rail from ACC’s modern cement plants at Wadi in Gulbarga district.

Latest generation and environmentally-friendly plant
The Thondebhavi Cement plant is designed as a latest generation cement grinding plant that is fully automated and can be operated by a single button - making it the first one of its kind in India. The grinding system at this plant comprises state-of-the-art Vertical Roller Mill (VRM) technology.

ACC has invested considerable resources to ensure that the plant maintains the highest possible standards in environment management and is wholly environment-friendly. It is equipped with sophisticated air pollution control systems to stop dust and fugitive emissions. More than half of the land area of the plant campus is dedicated to cultivating a green belt. The entire plant will stand in a greenery filled campus surrounded by carefully tended horticulture and landscaped gardens.

Partnering economic development in Karnataka
ACC Thondebhavi becomes the first major industrial unit to be established in Chikballapur District. The plant will generate considerable opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods for well over 1200 people through direct and indirect employment and the creation of ancillary businesses such as packaging, road transport and other trades.